Dr. Michelle McIsaac

Dr. Michelle McIsaac is an economist, health systems specialist and promoter of gender equality. She joined the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016 and leads the Health Workforce Department’s agenda on gender equality, human rights and equity. Passionate about leaving no one behind, Michelle led the development of the WHO Guideline on health workforce development, attraction, recruitment and retention in rural and remote areas. She provides technical support to governments and policymakers around the world grappling with securing equitable access to health services for rural and remote populations. Michelle’s work also covers the care economy, women’s economic empowerment, and policy action to improve gender equality in the health and care sector. Michelle has co-developed with the International Labour Organization (ILO) the first ever global sectoral gender pay gap report and led the development of the recent WHO report Fair Share for Health and Care: Gender and the Undervaluation of Health and Care Work outlines how gender-equitable investments in health and care work can help fully recognize the value of health and care work, to drive fairer and more inclusive economies and better health outcomes. Prior to joining the WHO Michelle held academic roles in Australia, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands, and advised the Medical Services Advisory Commission of the Ministry of Health Australia; Canadian provincial ministries of health (Alberta and Quebec); the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; and Horizon Europe (European Commission). Michelle has a degree in Mathematics and Economics from Dalhousie University (Canada), a master’s degree in economics from McMaster University (Canada) and a PhD in Economics and Business, specializing in Health Economics and Primary Health Care, from the University of Melbourne (Australia).